Coming off a successful Bulldog Bash last spring, members of the Mahomet-Seymour Educational Foundation are ready to provide financial support for educational opportunities throughout the Mahomet-Seymour School District during the 2014-2015 school year.
The Foundation will kick-off its giving campaign this Friday as members will throw small frisbees and smarties out to students who will line the Mahomet streets for the MSHS Homecoming Parade. They will also hand out free rootbeer mugs to the first 100 spectators at the MSHS Homecoming Game against Pontiac.
The Foundation has rolled out a new logo, which highlights their contributions to teachers, students and athletic programs on their Homecoming giveaways, pencils, note cards, magnets, website and t-shirts for all Foundation members.
Traditionally in the background, the Foundation hopes to increase its brand awareness this year by consistently telling their story through newsletters, public service announcements at athletic events and by becoming a visible part of the community. Foundation spokesperson, Cheryl Mitchell began to tell the Foundation’s story of growth and contributions to the school district at each back-to-school night.
With increased brand awareness and community support, the Foundation feels they have just begun to realize their potential.
Money raised through the Bulldog Bash goes towards academic needs and grants in the Mahomet-Seymour School District.The Foundation has funded $10,000 in grants for classroom supplies yearly, including, but not limited to technology more recently.
The Foundation is responsible for providing Lincoln Trail with smart board in each classroom, and in 2012 they purchased 15 iPads that are used throughout the district. They also work with district art teachers to host Celebrate Art each spring.
The group has also funds quarterly student recognition in Lincoln Trail, MSJHS and MSHS, the Luke Busch Memorial Award, the MSHS greenhouse and contributed 50 percent of the cost for teacher laptops last year.
Although the Foundation administers scholarships on behalf of other people, they are also looking into funding their own scholarship this year. The Foundation is also gearing up to finalize a Alumni Foundation to help support the schools.
Last year, the Bulldog Bash drew a larger crowd than ever, and saw tremendous teacher support. The lively event, which featured a silent and live auction and The Brat Pack, helped the Foundation raise $36,000 compared to the $24,000 it had received the year before.
While contribution plans have not been finalized for the upcoming school year, members are already talking about the ways to support the district in both the short and long-term.
The Foundation has already scheduled next spring’s Bulldog Bash for May 15. The Brat Pack has asked to perform at the event again next year.
